Tesla unveils next generation Roadster sports EV with SpaceX thrusters

San Francisco, California - Tesla showcased a revamped version of its electric sports car, the Roadster, on Thursday, nearly nine years after initially unveiling a next-generation model that was initially slated for production in 2028. Co-developed with Elon Musk's aerospace firm SpaceX, the two-seater showcased a range of impressive capabilities, including driving upside down on a ramp using a suction system and performing aerial maneuvers and landings with built-in thrusters. However, the feasibility and legality of these features on public roads remain uncertain.

Tesla's CEO, Elon Musk, has consistently downplayed the potential financial impact of the new Roadster, describing it as a "small potato situation" in 2023. Nevertheless, the vehicle holds symbolic importance for Tesla, as it currently lacks a top-tier halo car to exhibit its engineering prowess. Morningstar analyst Seth Goldstein commented that the Roadster will serve as Tesla's new flagship, according to a note he published last month.

During the event, Tesla officials did not disclose any specific pricing for the Roadster. Earlier, in 2017, Tesla had quoted a base price of $200,000 for the vehicle. The reservation page at Thursday's event indicated that a "Performance" version of the car requires a $50,000 deposit, while the "Thrust" version featuring acceleration thrusters demands a $250,000 deposit. Additionally, a "Rocket" variant is available by invitation only, described as a single-seat model equipped with a full flight system.

The Roadster boasts an astonishing acceleration from 0 to 60 miles per hour in under one second and a top speed exceeding 230 mph, according to Musk, speaking at a SpaceX test site in McGregor, Texas. Initially revealed in 2017, Tesla had previously stated that deliveries would commence in 2020. Musk had set high expectations for the car, claiming a four-seat version would travel 620 miles on a single charge.

Analyst Seth Goldstein expects Tesla to sell approximately 2,000 Roadsters annually, a mere fraction of the 1.6 million vehicles the company sold last year. The original Roadster, launched in 2008 and sold until 2012, marked Tesla's first electric vehicle and was based on a Lotus Elise chassis. It played a pivotal role in reshaping people's perceptions of electric vehicles. Since then, Tesla has been renowned for its SUV models like the Model Y and Model X, as well as its sedan lineup, including the Model S and Model 3.

The unveiling of the second-generation Roadster coincides with a significant shift in Tesla's focus towards artificial intelligence-driven self-driving technology and robotics. In recent months, Tesla has ceased selling Model S and X vehicles to allocate resources for the production of its Optimus humanoid robots. Moreover, the company recently introduced the Cybercab, a two-seater robotaxi that operates without manual controls such as a steering wheel, pedals, and mirrors.